Dog toilet training, where persistence really pays off.

"Tips and advice on dog toilet training"

Commencing toilet training

Start your toilet training program as soon as your puppy
arrives, establish good regular routines, feeding times, usual toilet
times, also encourage set living and sleeping area with puppies own bed
and a designated elimination area outside.

Every time your dog wants to relieve himself he should have access to the designated area, always take him out first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, play time and just before bed.

Initially
every 1- 2 hours during the day, a good indicator of a
puppies needs are worked out according to his age in months...

1 hour for
each month, a 2 month old puppy can only hold for about 2 hours, bowel
movements often after meals.

Using a crate

When starting your toilet training you need to be aware that puppies
under three months old have limited bladder control, so it is a good idea to
limit his access to all of the house either by crate training
your puppy or by having a den area i.e. a small room ( laundry) where
he can be if you cannot closely supervise him.

Many dogs seem to prefer a Crate the where they can still see you and be near to the action even if they are contained.

As your puppy becomes more reliable and his bowel and bladder control develops allow him more time out of the crate.

House training does take time and you need to be aware that when
your dachshund starts sniffing around and turning in circles, it usually
means he is looking for a place to relieve himself so you need to be
alert and take him quickly outside.

If your puppy is in a crate he will usually whine or bark first
thing in the morning to go outside, carry your puppy outside, as they
will often urinate as soon as you take them out of the crate or den and
put on the lead for control.

Toilet Training - Persistence

With dog toilet training when ever your dog uses the designed
area, give lots of praise, make a fuss, give a treat, and return
indoors.

If your puppy does not go within a few minutes, take him back
inside and take him back when you think he is ready

It is helpful to give a command such as ‘go toilet’ so your dog associates the command with the action, use the command every time until it is accepted by your puppy.

Accidents happen - it's no big deal

If your puppy has an accident inside you must ensure you clean up
properly not leaving any trace or smell, as the smell it will encourage
him to go there again, there are products available to help with this
problem, don’t punish for mistakes, this leads to puppy’s confusion, you
need to be better organized, and alert.

If you cannot get outside easily e.g..in an apartment use a hygienic toilet mat, litter box or newspapers. Newspapers are not such a good choice as it can become a problem as the puppy will use any paper it finds lying around.

Keep the designated area clean and free of faeces.
Dog toilet training will not be complete until puppies are about six months old, at this stage you can consider the option of a pet door to give you and your dog freedom.